Ann Dowd Explains How Aunt Lydia Has Changed Between The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments

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I have to say, Aunt Lydia has really changed! Remember how strict and terrifying she was in the first season of The Handmaid’s Tale? By the end of the show, you could really see her starting to doubt everything she was doing in Gilead, that awful place where women had absolutely no rights. Now, in the new series, The Testaments, it feels like she might actually be trying to make things right – like she’s on a path to redemption, which is something I never thought I’d see!

I believe Lydia’s more compassionate and understanding nature is key. This is especially clear in The Testaments, where she’s shown as a truly changed person. Compared to how she was at the end of The Handmaid’s Tale – filled with regret and seeking forgiveness – we see a transformation throughout the years between the two books. She actively decides who she wants to be, and eventually sheds the shame from her earlier life.

In The Testaments, Lydia criticizes Gilead and its leaders for how they treat women, yet she remains a key figure within the regime. However, she’s moved away from directly controlling the Handmaids and now focuses on establishing an academy. This new position allows Lydia to examine her own beliefs and embark on a journey of self-discovery, opening up unexpected possibilities for her future.

She’s really focused on what role she’ll play in The Testaments. Her main goal is to start a school for the daughters of the Commanders and the Pearl Girls, teaching them how to be successful wives and manage their homes. She’s a very practical person, she just gets things done, she explained.

Could Aunt Lydia Fully Turn Against Gilead in The Testaments?

In The Testaments, Lydia mentors two young women: Agnes, the daughter of a high-ranking official, and Daisy, a Canadian “Pearl.” While preparing them for their futures, she develops strong maternal feelings for both. According to author Margaret Atwood, Lydia views herself as a mother figure, responsible for guiding their lives. Atwood explains that Lydia’s deep love for the girls actually simplifies her role as a mentor, allowing her to care for them in the way a mother would.

Lydia is a surprisingly sympathetic character in the new series, despite her previously cruel behavior. Viewers might be surprised by this change, especially since she was known as a villain in earlier seasons. Critics are already praising the depth and complexity of her character, particularly an episode that explores her past. Could Lydia actually be the hero this story needs?

The new series, The Testaments, will begin streaming on Hulu April 8th with the release of its first three episodes. After that, new episodes will be available every Wednesday until May 27th.

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2026-04-08 00:08